Arroz con Leche (Mexican rice pudding) is a popular dessert in Mexican cuisine. It’s a comforting dish made with rice, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and often flavored with vanilla and raisins. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Mexican Arroz con Leche:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 4 cups whole milk (or a mix of milk and water for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice: Start by rinsing the rice in cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well.
- Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until the rice is cooked but still slightly firm.
- Prepare the milk mixture: Add the milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and a pinch of salt to the cooked rice. Stir everything together, and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts simmering, lower the heat and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer: Let the rice cook for about 20-25 minutes until the rice absorbs most of the milk and becomes tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
- Add the raisins and vanilla: If you’re using raisins, add them along with the vanilla extract when the rice is almost done. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the raisins to plump up and the flavors to meld.
- Finish and serve: Once the rice has absorbed the milk and is creamy, remove the saucepan from the heat. Discard the cinnamon stick.
- Garnish and serve: Serve your Arroz con Leche warm or chilled. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top before serving for extra flavor.
Enjoy your Mexican Arroz con Leche as a delicious, comforting dessert! It can be eaten warm or cold, depending on your preference.